Varna and access to property
According to the Brahmanical texts, another criterion, apart from gender, for regulating access to wealth was varna. As we discussed earlier, the only “occupation” prescribed for Shudras was servitude, while men of the first three varnas were assigned a variety of occupations. If these provisions were indeed implemented, the wealthiest men would have been the Brahmanas and the Kshatriyas. This aligns somewhat with social realities, as evident from descriptions of priests and kings in other textual traditions. Kings are almost invariably depicted as wealthy, while priests are also generally portrayed as affluent, although occasional depictions of poor Brahmanas exist.
At another level, even as the Brahmanical view of society was codified in the Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras, other traditions developed critiques of the varna order. Some of the best-known critiques emerged within early Buddhism (from the sixth century BCE onwards). The Buddhists acknowledged societal differences but did not view them as natural or inflexible. They also rejected claims to status based on birth.
Chapter 3 Beyond Birth Resources and Status| Class 12 History Notes
Class 12 History Notes Chapter 3: CBSE Class 12 History Notes are essential for students studying Social Science, as History is a crucial sub-subject that requires properly written answers. Scoring well in History is just as important as other subjects. These notes are important for Class 12 students because they help explain how people’s social status was determined in ancient societies.
The notes cover topics like wealth, generosity, and social roles, providing valuable insights into historical societies. Overall, Class 12 History Notes for Chapter 3 are important resources for students looking to understand the social dynamics of the past straightforwardly.